Churachnadpur (Manipur): Indigenous Tribal Leader Forum (ITLF), on Wednesday, extended an apology to the Kuki Zo people for "misguidance and conflict with Meitei people" in Manipur. In an official statement, ITLF stated, "The Indigenous Tribal Leader Forum, a leading organisation committed to the welfare and unity of indigenous communities, acknowledges and deeply regrets the misguided actions that resulted in brainwashing and involvement of innocent Kuki Zo people in the unfortunate conflict with the Meitei people in Manipur".
The organisation further said that it recognises that the essence of the mission is to foster harmony, mutual respect among different indigenous communities, promoting peace and coexistence. "It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge our failure in fulfilling these core principles, leading to the unintended consequences that have impacted both the Kuki Zo and Meitei communities", the statement added.
Extending an apology, it said, "We extend our sincerest apologies to the innocent Kuki Zo people whose trust was misplaced and who were inadvertently drawn into the conflict". The ITLF also said that it pledges to rectify the situation by taking actions that include an open dialogue between the two communities, restorative measures and a transparent review of its organisational processes and decision-making structures.